Characterization of neoplastic and normal human breast tissues with in vivo1H MR spectroscopy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the detection of choline-containing compounds in in vivo 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of breast lesions is specific for carcinomas, whether a choline peak in in vivo 1H MRS can be detected under physiological conditions of increased metabolism in breast parenchyma, and whether analysis of lipid signals can differentiate between various breast lesions and tissues. Forty patients and volunteers were examined with in vivo 1H MR spectroscopy. Three spectra with identical localization but increasing echo times were obtained. Choline-containing compounds were detected in 9 of 11 carcinomas and in 2 of 11 benign lesions. A choline signal was also detected in five of seven volunteers who were breast-feeding at the time of examination, demonstrating that choline compounds can be detected by in vivo 1H MRS in breast tissue under physiological conditions. Analysis of lipid signals did not contribute to differentiation between various breast lesions and tissues. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 1999;10:159–164. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.